VEGF antagonist formulations

ABSTRACT

Formulations of a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-specific fusion protein antagonist are provided including a pre-lyophilized formulation, a reconstituted lyophilized formulation, and a stable liquid formulation. Preferably, the fusion protein has the sequence of SEQ ID NO:4.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit under 35 USC § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional 60/665,125 filed 25 Mar. 2005, which application is herein specifically incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention is directed to pharmaceutical formulations comprising agents capable of inhibiting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and to methods for making and using such formulations. The invention includes pharmaceutical formulations having increased stability.

2. Statement of Related Art

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression is nearly ubiquitous in human cancer, consistent with its role as a key mediator of tumor neoangiogenesis. Blockade of VEGF function, by binding to the molecule or its VEGFR-2 receptor, inhibits growth of implanted tumor cells in multiple different xenograft models (see, for example, Gerber et al. (2000) Cancer Res. 60:6253-6258). A soluble VEGF-specific fusion protein antagonist, termed a “VEGF trap” has been described (Kim et al. (2002) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 99:11399-404; Holash et al. (2002) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 99:11393-8), which applications are specifically incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Lyophilization (freeze drying under controlled conditions) is commonly used for long term storage of proteins. The lyophilized protein is substantially resistant to degradation, aggregation, oxidation, and other degenerative processes while in the freeze-dried state (see, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,436,897).

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Stable formulations of a VEGF-specific fusion protein antagonist are herein provided. The pharmaceutically acceptable formulations of the invention comprise the VEGF “trap” antagonist with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. In specific embodiments, liquid and freeze-dried, or lyophilized formulations are provided.

In a first aspect, the invention features a stable liquid formulation of a VEGF-specific fusion protein antagonist, comprising a fusion protein comprising a receptor component consisting essentially of an immunoglobulin-like (Ig) domain 2 of a first VEGF receptor and Ig domain 3 of a second VEGF receptor, and a multimerizing component, one or more buffers, and one or more thermal stabilizers. In a specific embodiment of the VEGF-specific fusion protein antagonist, the first VEGF receptor is Flt1 and the second VEGF receptor is Flk1 or Flt4. In a more specific embodiment the fusion protein has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:2 or SEQ ID NO:4. In one embodiment, the buffer is a phosphate buffer and/or citrate. More preferably, the buffers are phosphate and citrate. In one embodiment, the thermal stabilizers are NaCl and/or sucrose. More preferably, the thermal stabilizers are both NaCl and sucrose.

In a specific embodiment, the stable liquid formulation of a VEGF-specific fusion protein antagonist comprises 1-10 mM phosphate buffer, 1-10 mM citrate, 25-150 mM NaCl, 5-30% sucrose, 10-50 mg/ml of the fusion protein, at a pH of about 6-6.5. In a more specific embodiment, the stable liquid formulation comprises 5 mM phosphate buffer, 5 mM citrate buffer, 100 mM NaCl, 20% sucrose, 25 mg/ml of the fusion protein, at a pH of about 6.0. Additionally, polysorbate may be present, for example 0.05-0.15% polysorbate 20. The stable liquid formulation of the VEGF-specific fusion protein antagonist of the invention exhibits little or no precipitation after storage of a 25 mg/ml VEGF formulation for about 6 months at −80° C. and little or no precipitation after storage for 6 months at 5° C.

In a second aspect, the invention features a high concentration stable liquid formulation of a VEGF antagonist comprising 1-50 mM histidine, 25-150 mM NaCl, 5-30% sucrose, 50-100 mg/ml of the fusion protein, at a pH of about 6-6.5, and either 0.1-0.5% polysorbate or 1-5% PEG. In a more specific embodiment, the high concentration stable liquid formulation comprises 10 mM histidine, 50 mM NaCl, 5-20% sucrose, 50-100 mg/ml of the fusion protein, at a pH of about 6.0-6.5, with either 0.1% polysorbate (e.g., polysorbate 20) or 3% PEG (e.g., PEG 3350). The high concentration stable liquid formulation of the VEGF-specific fusion protein antagonist of the invention exhibits less than about 3% degradation after 15 months of storage at 5° C. (75 or 100 mg/ml VEGF trap protein) or less than about 1.5% degradation after 24 months (50 mg/ml).

In a third aspect, the invention features a pre-lyophilized formulation of a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-specific fusion protein antagonist, comprising a (i) fusion protein comprising a receptor component consisting essentially of an immunoglobulin-like (Ig) domain 2 of a first VEGF receptor and Ig domain 3 of a second VEGF receptor, and a multimerizing component, (ii) a buffer, (iii) an organic co-solvent or bulking agent, and (iv) one or more lyoprotectants. In various embodiments, the buffer is histidine, the organic co-solvent or bulking agent is PEG, and the lyoprotectant(s) is at least one of glycine and sucrose. In one embodiment, the pre-lyophilized formulation of the invention does not contain a preservative.

In one embodiment of the pre-lyophilized formulation of the invention, the formulation comprises 5-50 mM histidine, 0.1-3.0% PEG, 0.25-3.0% glycine, 0.5-6.0% sucrose, and 5-75 mg/ml of the fusion protein, at a pH of about 6.0-6.5. In any embodiment, the pre-lyophilized formulation may further comprise up to 0.05 mM citrate and/or 0.003-0.005% polysorbate. The polysorbate present may be, for example, polysorbate 20.

In a more specific embodiment, the pre-lyophilized formulation comprises about 10 mM histidine, about 1.5% PEG 3350, about 0.75% glycine, about 2.5% sucrose, and about 12.5 to 75 mg/ml VEGF-specific fusion protein, at a pH of about 6.25. In specific embodiments, the fusion protein comprises the protein sequence of SEQ ID NO:4, present as a multimer, e.g., a dimer. In separate embodiments, the reconstituted formulation is 2 times the concentration of the pre-lyophilized formulation, e.g., a 20 mg fusion protein/ml pre-lyophilized formulation is reconstituted to a final formulation of 60 mg fusion protein/ml. Generally, the lyophilized formulation is reconstituted with sterile water suitable for injection. In one embodiment, the reconstitution liquid may be bacteriostatic water.

In a preferred embodiment, the pre-lyophilized formulation consists essentially of about 10 mM histidine, about 1.5% PEG 3350, about 0.75% glycine, about 2.5% sucrose, and about 50 mg/ml of the fusion protein having the sequence of SEQ ID NO:4 as a dimer, at a pH of about 6.25. Citrate (less than or equal to about 0.02 mM) and/or polysorbate (less than or equal to about 0.0005%) may be present. Optionally, the pre-lyophilized formulation does not contain a preservative, a phosphate buffer, and/or more than trace amounts of NaCl. In one embodiment, the pre-lyophilized formulation consists of about 10 mM histidine, about 1.5% PEG 3350, about 0.75% glycine, about 2.5% sucrose, and about 50 mg/ml of the VEGF trap protein (SEQ ID NO:4), pH 6.3, and upon reconstitution contains 20 mM histidine, 3% PEG, 1.5% glycine, about 5% sucrose, and about 100 mg/ml VEGF trap protein.

In a fourth aspect, the invention features a method of producing a lyophilized formulation of a VEGF-specific fusion protein antagonist, comprising subjecting the pre-lyophilized formulation of the invention to lyophilization to generate a lyophilized formulation. The lyophilized formulation may be lyophilized by any method known in the art for lyophilizing a liquid.

In a fifth related aspect, the invention features a method of producing a reconstituted lyophilized formulation of a VEGF-specific fusion protein antagonist, comprising reconstituting the lyophilized formulation of the invention to a reconstituted formulation. In one embodiment, the reconstituted formulation is twice the concentration of the pre-lyophilized formulation, e.g., the method of the invention comprises: (a) producing a pre-lyophilized formulation of a VEGF-specific fusion protein antagonist, (b) subjecting the pre-lyophilized formulation of step (a) to lyophilization; and (c) reconstituting the lyophilized formulation of step (b).

In specific embodiments of the method of producing a reconstituted lyophilized formulation, a pre-lyophilized solution is present in a vial as a 25 mg VEGF-specific fusion protein antagonist per ml solution of pre-lyophilized formulation, which is lyophilized and reconstituted to an 50 mg/ml solution. In another embodiment, a 30 mg/ml pre-lyophilized solution is lyophilized and reconstituted to a 60 mg/ml solution. In another embodiment, a 40 mg/ml pre-lyophilized solution is lyophilized and reconstituted to a 80 mg/ml solution. In another embodiment, a 12.5 mg/ml pre-lyophilized solution is lyophilized and reconstituted to a 25 mg/ml solution. In another embodiment, a 50 mg/ml pre-lyophilized solution is lyophilized and reconstituted to a 100 mg/ml solution. In another embodiment, a 75 mg/ml pre-lyophilized solution is lyophilized and reconstituted to a 150 mg/ml solution. Preferably, the reconstituted lyophilized formulation does not contain a preservative.

Other objects and advantages will become apparent from a review of the ensuing detailed description.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is not limited to particular methods, and experimental conditions described, as such methods and conditions may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting unless indicated, since the scope of the present invention will be limited only by the appended claims.

As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus for example, references to “a method” include one or more methods, and/or steps of the type described herein and/or which will become apparent to those persons skilled in the art upon reading this disclosure.

Unless stated otherwise, all technical and scientific terms and phrases used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, the preferred methods and materials are now described. All publications mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference.

General Description

Safe handling and administration of formulations comprising proteins represent significant challenges to pharmaceutical formulators. Proteins possess unique chemical and physical properties that present stability problems: a variety of degradation pathways exist for proteins, implicating both chemical and physical instability. Chemical instability includes deamination, aggregation, clipping of the peptide backbone, and oxidation of methionine residues. Physical instability encompasses many phenomena, including, for example, aggregation.

Chemical and physical stability can be promoted by removing water from the protein. Lyophilization (freeze-drying under controlled conditions) is commonly used for long-term storage of proteins. The lyophilized protein is substantially resistant to degradation, aggregation, oxidation, and other degenerative processes while in the freeze-dried state. The lyophilized protein is normally reconstituted with water optionally containing a bacteriostatic preservative (e.g., benzyl alcohol) prior to administration.

Definitions

The term “carrier” includes a diluent, adjuvant, excipient, or vehicle with which a composition is administered. Carriers can include sterile liquids, such as, for example, water and oils, including oils of petroleum, animal, vegetable or synthetic origin, such as, for example, peanut oil, soybean oil, mineral oil, sesame oil and the like.

The term “excipient” includes a non-therapeutic agent added to a pharmaceutical composition to provide a desired consistency or stabilizing effect. Suitable pharmaceutical excipients include, for example, starch, glucose, lactose, sucrose, gelatin, malt, rice, flour, chalk, silica gel, sodium stearate, glycerol monostearate, talc, sodium chloride, dried skim milk, glycerol, propylene, glycol, water, ethanol and the like.

The term “lyophilized” or “freeze-dried” includes a state of a substance that has been subjected to a drying procedure such as lyophilization, where at least 50% of moisture has been removed.

The phrase “bulking agent” includes a compound that is pharmaceutically acceptable and that adds bulk to a lyo cake. Generally, acceptable bulking agents known to the art include, for example, carbohydrates, including simple sugars such as dextrose, ribose, fructose and the like, alcohol sugars such as mannitol, inositol and sorbitol, disaccharides including trehalose, sucrose and lactose, naturally occurring polymers such as starch, dextrans, chitosan, hyaluronate, proteins (e.g., gelatin and serum albumin), glycogen, and synthetic monomers and polymers. In the formulations of the invention, PEG 3350 is an organic co-solvent which is used to stabilize the fusion protein when agitated, mixed, or handled, and as a bulking agent to help produce an acceptable bulk.

The term “lyoprotectant” includes a substance that may be added to a freeze-dried or lyophilized formulation to help maintain protein structure when freeze-dried or lyophilized.

A “preservative” includes a bacteriostatic, bacteriocidal, fungistatic or fungicides compound that is generally added to formulations to retard or eliminate growth of bacteria or other contaminating microorganisms in the formulations. Preservatives include, for example, benzyl alcohol, phenol, benzalkonium chloride, m-cresol, thimerosol, chlorobutanol, methylparaben, propylparaben and the like. Other examples of pharmaceutically acceptable preservatives can be found in the USP.

VEGF Antagonists

An VEGF antagonist is a compound capable of blocking or inhibiting the biological action of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and includes fusion proteins capable of trapping VEGF. In a preferred embodiment, the VEGF antagonist is the fusion protein of SEQ ID NO:2 or 4; more preferably, SEQ ID NO:4. In specific embodiments, the VEGF antagonist is expressed in a mammalian cell line such as a CHO cell and may be modified post-translationally. In a specific embodiment, the fusion protein comprises amino acids 27-457 of SEQ ID NO:4 and is glycosylated at Asn residues 62, 94, 149, 222 and 308.

The VEGF antagonist of the methods and formulations of the invention can be prepared by any suitable method known in the art, or that comes to be known. The VEGF antagonist is preferably substantially free of protein contaminants at the time it is used to prepare the pharmaceutically acceptable formulation. By “substantially free of protein contaminants” is meant, preferably, that at least 90% of the weight of protein of the VEGF-specific fusion protein antagonist preparation used for making a formulation is VEGF fusion protein antagonist protein, more preferably at least 95%, most preferably at least 99%. The fusion protein is preferably substantially free of aggregates. “Substantially free of aggregates” means that at least 90% of the weight of fusion protein is not present in an aggregate at the time the fusion protein is used to prepare the pharmaceutically effective formulation. The fusion protein of the methods and formulations of the invention may contain low or trace amounts of compounds as a results of the purification process, for example, low or trace amounts of citrate and/or polysorbate. In one embodiment of the pre-lyophilized formulation of the invention containing about 50 mg of fusion protein/ml, citrate may be present at a concentration of about 0.02 mM and/or polysorbate may be present at a concentration of about 0.0005%. If the pre-lyophilized formulation is reconstituted after lyophilization to half of the original volume (e.g., 100 mg/ml of fusion protein), the resulting concentrations may be 0.04 mM citrate and/or 0.001% polysorbate.

Lyophilization and Lyophilized Formulations

In one aspect of the invention, a pharmaceutically acceptable formulation comprising a VEGF-specific fusion protein antagonist is provided, wherein the formulation is a freeze-dried or lyophilized formulation. Lyophilized formulations can be reconstituted into solutions, suspensions, emulsions, or any other suitable form for administration or use. Lyophilized formulations are typically first prepared as liquids, then frozen and lyophilized. The total liquid volume before lyophilization can be less, equal to, or more than, the final reconstituted volume of the lyophilized formulation. The lyophilization process is well known to those of ordinary skill in the art, and typically includes sublimation of water from a frozen formulation under controlled conditions.

Lyophilized formulations can be stored at a wide range of temperatures. Lyophilized formulations may be stored below 25° C., for example, refrigerated at 4° C., or at room temperature (e.g., approximately 25° C.). Preferably, lyophilized formulations are stored below about 25° C., more preferably, at about 4-20° C.; below about 4° C.; below about −20° C.; about −40° C.; about −70° C., or about −80° C.

Lyophilized formulations are typically reconstituted for use by addition of an aqueous solution to dissolve the lyophilized formulation. A wide variety of aqueous solutions can be used to reconstitute a lyophilized formulation. Preferably, lyophilized formulations are reconstituted using water. Lyophilized formulations are preferably reconstituted with a solution consisting essentially of water (e.g., USP WFI, or water for injection) or bacteriostatic water (e.g., USP WFI with 0.9% benzyl alcohol). However, solutions comprising buffers and/or excipients and/or one or more pharmacetically acceptable carries can also be used.

Freeze-dried or lyophilized formulations are typically prepared from liquids, that is, from solutions, suspensions, emulsions, and the like. Thus, the liquid that is to undergo freeze-drying or lyophilization preferably comprises all components desired in a final reconstituted liquid formulation. As a result, when reconstituted, the freeze-dried or lyophilized formulation will render a desired liquid formulation upon reconstitution. A preferred liquid formulation used to generate a freeze-dried or lyophilized formulation comprises a VEGF-specific fusion protein antagonist in a pharmaceutically effective amount, a buffer, a stabilizer, and a bulking agent. Freeze-dried or lyophilized formulations preferably comprise histidine, since histidine, in comparison to phosphate, is more effective at stabilizing the fusion protein when the fusion protein is lyophilized. Organic cosolvents, such as PEG 3350, are used to stabilize the fusion protein when agitated, mixed, or handled. A lyoprotectant is preferably used in freeze-dried or lyophilized formulations. Lyoprotectants help to maintain the secondary structure of proteins when freeze-dried or lyophilized. Two preferred example lyoprotectants are glycine and sucrose, which are preferably used together.

Stable Liquid Formulations

In one aspect, the invention provides a stable pharmaceutically acceptable formulation comprising a VEGF-specific fusion protein antagonist, wherein the formulation is a liquid formulation. Preferably, the liquid formulation comprises a pharmaceutically effective amount of the fusion protein. The formulation can also comprise one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, buffers, bulking agents, stabilizers, preservatives, and/or excipients. An example of a pharmaceutically acceptable liquid formulation comprises a VEGF-specific fusion protein antagonist in a pharmaceutically effective amount, a buffer, a co-solvent, and one or more stabilizers.

A preferred liquid formulation comprises phosphate buffer, an organic co-solvent, and one or more thermal stabilizers to minimize formation of aggregates and low molecular weight products when stored, and about 10 mg/ml to about 50 mg/ml fusion protein, wherein the formulation is from about pH 6.0-6.5. A preferred liquid formulation comprises about 5 mM phosphate buffer, about 5 mM citrate, about 100 mM NaCl, about 25% sucrose, and about 10-50 mg/ml fusion protein, wherein the formulation is at a pH of about 6.0; optionally polysorbate may be present (e.g., 0.1% polysorbate 20). Although either NaCl or sucrose can be used as a stabilizer, a combination of NaCl and sucrose has been established to stabilize the fusion protein more effectively than either individual stabilizer alone.

Stability is determined in a number of ways at specified time points, including determination of pH, visual inspection of color and appearance, determination of total protein content by methods known in the art, e.g., UV spectroscopy, SDS-PAGE, size-exclusion HPLC, bioassay determination of activity, isoelectric focusing, and isoaspartate quantification. In one example of a bioassay useful for determining VEGF antagonist activity, a BAF/3 VEGFR1/EPOR cell line is used to determine VEGF165 binding by the VEGF-specific fusion protein antagonist of the invention.

Formulations, whether liquid or freeze-dried and lyophilized, can be stored in an oxygen-deprived environment. Oxygen-deprived environments can be generated by storing the formulations under an inert gas such as, for example, argon, nitrogen, or helium.

EXAMPLES

Before the present methods are described, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to particular methods, and experimental conditions described, as such methods and conditions may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting, since the scope of the present invention will be limited only to the appended claims.

As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus for example, a reference to “a method” includes one or more methods, and/or steps of the type described herein and/or which will become apparent to those persons skilled in the art upon reading this disclosure and so forth.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, the preferred methods and materials are now described. All publications mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Example 1 Stability of a 50 mg/ml Liquid Formulation of VEGF Trap

A liquid formulation containing 10 mM phosphate, 50 mM NaCl, 0.1% polysorbate 20, 20% sucrose, and 50 mg/ml VEGF trap (SEQ ID NO:4), pH 6.25, was stored at 5° C. and samples tested at 3, 6, 9, 12, 18 and 24 months. Stability was determined by SE-HPLC. The results, shown in Table 1, show that 98.6% and 98.3% of VEGF trap protein remain undegraded at 12 and 24 months, respectively. Turbidity was measured at OD₄₀₅ nm; and percent recovered protein by size exclusion HPLC. TABLE 1 Stability of 50 mg/ml VEGF Trap Protein When Stored at 5° C. (VGFT-SS065) % VEGF Trap Visual % VEGF Trap Native Months Appearance Turbidity pH Recovered Configuration 0 Pass 0.00 6.2 100 99.0 3 Pass 0.00 6.2 102 98.8 6 Pass 0.01 6.2 103 98.7 9 Pass 0.01 6.3 102 98.2 12 Pass 0.01 6.3 106 98.6 18 Pass 0.00 6.3 103 98.4 24 Pass 0.00 6.2 93 98.3

A liquid formulation containing 10 mM phosphate, 50 mM NaCl, 3% PEG 3350, 20% sucrose, and 50 mg/ml VEGF trap (SEQ ID NO:4), pH 6.25, was stored at 5° C. and samples tested at 3, 6, 9, 12, 18 and 24 months. Stability results are shown in Table 2. TABLE 2 Stability of 50 mg/ml VEGF Trap Protein When Stored at 5° C. (VGFT-SS065) % VEGF Trap Visual % VEGF Trap Native Months Appearance Turbidity pH Recovered Configuration 0 Pass 0.00 6.2 100 99.0 3 Pass 0.00 6.2 100 98.8 6 Pass 0.01 6.3 103 98.5 9 Pass 0.00 6.3 103 98.3 12 Pass 0.01 6.3 110 98.3 18 Pass 0.00 6.3 113 98.0 24 Pass 0.01 6.2 90 97.8

Example 2 Stability of a 75 mg/ml Liquid Formulation of VEGF Trap

A liquid formulation containing 10 mM phosphate, 50 mM NaCl, 0.1% polysorbate 20, 20% sucrose, and 75 mg/ml VEGF trap (SEQ ID NO:4), pH 6.25, was stored at 5° C. and samples tested at 0, 1, 2.3, 3, 9, 12 and 15 months. Stability results are shown in Table 3. TABLE 3 Stability of 75 mg/ml VEGF Trap Protein When Stored at 5° C. (VGFT-SS101) % VEGF Trap Visual % VEGF Trap Native Months Appearance Turbidity pH Recovered Configuration 0 Pass 0.00 6.2 100 97.1 1 Pass 0.00 6.2 96 97.0 2.3 Pass 0.00 6.2 98 96.7 3 Pass 0.00 6.2 97 96.1 9 Pass −0.01 6.0 101 96.0 12 Pass 0.00 6.3 110 94.5 15 Pass 0.00 6.3 92 95.6

A liquid formulation containing 10 mM phosphate, 50 mM NaCl, 3% PEG 3350, 20% sucrose, and 75 mg/ml VEGF trap (SEQ ID NO:4), pH 6.25, was stored at 5° C. and samples tested at 0, 1, 2.3, 3, 9, 12 and 15 months. Stability results are shown in Table 4. TABLE 4 Stability of 75 mg/ml VEGF Trap Protein When Stored at 5° C. (VGFT-SS101) % VEGF Trap Visual % VEGF Trap Native Months Appearance Turbidity pH Recovered Configuration 0 Pass 0.00 6.2 100 96.8 1 Pass 0.00 6.2 99 96.7 2.3 Pass 0.00 6.2 97 96.3 3 Pass 0.00 6.2 89 95.6 9 Pass −0.01 6.2 98 95.4 12 Pass −0.01 6.3 112 94.1 15 Pass 0.00 6.3 98 94.8

Example 3 Stability of a 100 mg/ml Liquid Formulation of VEGF Trap

A liquid formulation containing 10 mM phosphate, 50 mM NaCl, 0.1% polysorbate 20, 20% sucrose, and 100 mg/ml VEGF trap (SEQ ID NO:4), pH 6.25, was stored at 5° C. and samples tested at 0, 1, 2.3, 3, 9, 12 and 15 months. Stability results are shown in Table 5. TABLE 5 Stability of 100 mg/ml VEGF Trap Protein Stored at 5° C. (VGFT-SS101) % VEGF Trap Visual % VEGF Trap Native Months Appearance Turbidity pH Recovered Configuration 0 Pass 0.00 6.3 100 96.7 1 Pass 0.00 6.2 92 96.6 2.3 Pass 0.00 6.2 92 96.2 6 Pass 0.00 6.2 99 95.5 9 Pass −0.01 6.2 92 95.5 12 Pass −0.01 6.2 110 93.9 15 Pass 0.00 6.3 108 94.8

A liquid formulation containing 10 mM phosphate, 50 mM NaCl, 3% PEG 3350, 20% sucrose, and 100 mg/ml VEGF trap (SEQ ID NO:4), pH 6.25, was stored at 5° C. and samples tested at 0, 1, 2.3, 3, 9, 12 and 15 months. Stability results are shown in Table 6. TABLE 6 Stability of 100 mg/ml VEGF Trap Protein Stored at 5° C. (VGFT-SS101) % VEGF Trap Visual % VEGF Trap Native Months Appearance Turbidity pH Recovered Configuration 0 Pass 0.00 6.3 100 96.5 1 Pass 0.01 6.2 94 96.2 2.3 Pass 0.01 6.2 93 95.7 6 Pass 0.01 6.2 102 94.6 9 Pass 0.00 6.2 95 94.6 12 Pass 0.00 6.3 96 92.8 15 Pass 0.01 6.3 102 93.9

Example 4 Further Embodiments of Stable VEGF Trap Formulations

In one embodiment, the invention provides a stable liquid VEGF-binding fusion protein (VEGF trap) formulations comprising 5 mM phosphate, 5 mM citrate, 100 mM NaCl, 0.1% Polysorbate 20, 20% sucrose, 25 mg/ml VEGF trap protein, pH 6.0. This formulation can either be delivered subcutaneously or diluted and delivered by intravenous infusion. Due to the high osmolality of this formulation, it is diluted 3-fold to achieve an iso-osmolar solution for intravenous administration. Stability studies showed less than about 1% degradation was detected after 3 years of storage at 2-8° C.

In one embodiment, the invention features a lyophilized formulation which is preferably concentrated two-fold from the pre-lyophilized to the post-lyophilized formulation, e.g., 50 to 100 mg/ml; 75 to 150 mg/ml, or 100 to 200 mg/ml VEGF trap protein. In one specific embodiment, the pre-lyophilized formulation comprises 10 mM histidine, 1.5% PEG 3350, 0.75% glycine, 2.5% sucrose, 50 mg/ml VEGF trap protein, pH 6.3, and is reconstituted to a formulation comprisisng 20 mM histidine, 3% PEG 3350, 1.5% glycine, 5% sucrose, 100 mg/ml VEGF trap protein, pH 6.3. Stability studied showed no degradation of the VEGF trap was detected after 6 months of storage at 2-8° C.

In one embodiment of a liquid formulation, the formulation comprises 10 mM histidine, 50 mM NaCl, 5-20% sucrose, 50-100 mg/ml VEGF trap, and one of 0.1% polysorbate 20 or 3% PEG 3350. One advantage of this liquid formulation is that it provides a higher concentration of VEGF trap without requiring the manufacture of a lyophilized product. Thus, this formulation provides ease for subcutaneous delivery, for example, by allowing provision of a liquid pre-filled syringe at a concentraion higher than that delivered by IV infusion. Also, this formulation could advantageously be used to provide lower infusion volumes and shorter infusion times. The amount of degradation determined by SE-HPLC following incubation at 5° C. for up to 15 or 24 months is summarized in Table 7. TABLE 7 Stability of Liquid Formulation with 50-100 mg/ml VEGF Trap (VGFT-SS101) Incubation VEGF Trap % (months) (mg/ml) % Polysorbate 20 % PEG 3350 Degradation 24 50 0.1 — 0.7 24 50 — 3 1.3 15 75 0.1 — 1.5 15 75 — 3 2.0 15 100 0.1 — 1.9 15 100 — 3 2.6

Example 5 Stability and Activity of Lyophilized and Liquid

The stability of a reconstituted lyophilized formulation was determined over a 6 month period. The pre-lyophilized formulation contained 10 mM histidine, 1.5% PEG 3350, 2.5% sucrose, 0.75% glycine and 50 mg/ml VEGF trap protein. After lyophilization, the reconstituted formulation contained 20 mM histidine, 3% PEG 3350, 5% sucrose, 1.5% glycine, and 100 mg/ml VEGF trap protein (SEQ ID NO:4). The results shown in Table 8. Activity was determined in a cell based bioassay which directly measures the ability of the VEGF trap to inhibit the biological effects of human VEGF on a mouse Baf/3 VEGFR1/EpoR cell line. Therefore, this bioassay directly measures the biological activity of the protein. The results are expresses as percent relative potency (test sample IC₅₀/reference VEGF IC₅₀ standard×100). The binding affinity of VEGF to the VEGF trap is measured using a sensitive ELISA that specifically measures free VEGF in equilibrated mixtures containing VEGF and various concentrations of the VEGF trap. Results are expressed as percent relative binding (IC₅₀ of test sample/IC₅₀ of reference×100). Measured pH ranged between 6.3-6.5. All solutions where visually clear. The concentration of VEGF trap recovered was determined with a UV spectrophotometer as mg/ml at A₂₈₀ nm. The percent VEGF trap recovered in the native configuration (main peak purity) was determined with SE-HPLC. TABLE 8 Stability of VEGF Trap Lyophilized Formulation Stored at 5° C. (VGT-RS475) % Native Months Bioassay Binding Assay % Recovered Configuration 0 120 126 97.9 98.7 1 117 74 97.9 98.6 1 + 24 hr 126 72 99.0 98.5 1 + 4 hr 94 81 101.5 98.2 3 101 98 98.1 98.6 3 + 24 hr 65 94 98.1 98.2 6 + 4 hr 96.9 98.7 6 + 24 hr 98.8 98.6

A formulation containing about 5 mM phosphate, 5 mM citrate, 100 mM NaCl, 0.1% polysorbate 20, 20% sucrose, and 25 mg/ml VEGF trap protein was tested for stability and activity over 36 months when stored at 5° C. The results are shown in Table 9. All samples were clear and colorless as determined by visual inspection. pH ranged from 6.0-6.1. *Binding assay results for two measurements (1 and 2 months) are expressed directly and not as a percent of the standard. TABLE 9 Stability and Activity of Liquid Formulation (VGT-FS405) % Native Protein Content Months Configuration Bioassay Binding Assay mg/ml 0 99.7 106 72 25.0 1 99.9 119 4.4 pM* 25.2 2 99.6 102 5.4 pM* 25.1 3 99.6 97 88 25.1 6 99.6 101 106 25.0 9 99.4 89 126 25.4 12 99.5 85 95 25.2 18 99.4 99 81 25.5 24 99.3 75 95 25.6 36 98.8 109 79 25.6 

1. A stable liquid formulation of a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-specific fusion protein antagonist, comprising a fusion protein having a receptor component consisting of an immunoglobulin-like (Ig) domain 2 of a first VEGF receptor and Ig domain 3 of a second VEGF receptor, and a multimerizing component, one or more buffers, and one or more thermal stabilizers.
 2. The stable liquid formulation of claim 1, wherein the first VEGF receptor is Flt1 and the second VEGF receptor is Flk1 or Flt4.
 3. The stable liquid formulation of claim 2, wherein the fusion protein has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:4.
 4. The stable liquid formulation of claim 1, wherein the buffer is at least one of phosphate buffer and citrate buffer.
 5. The stable liquid formulation of claim 1, wherein the thermal stabilizer are at least one of NaCl and sucrose. 6 The stable liquid formulation of claim 1, comprising 1-10 mM phosphate buffer, 1-10 mM citrate, 25-150 mM NaCl, 5-30% sucrose, 10-50 mg/ml of the fusion protein, at a pH of about 6-6.5, optionally further comprising 0.05-0.10% polysorbate.
 7. The stable liquid formulation of claim 6, comprising 5 mM phosphate buffer, 5 mM citrate buffer, 100 mM NaCl, 25% sucrose, 25 mg/ml of the fusion protein of SEQ ID NO:4, at a pH of about 6.0.
 8. A pre-lyophilized formulation, comprising (i) a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-specific fusion protein antagonist, (ii) a buffer, (iii) an organic co-solvent or bulking agent, and (iv) one or more lyoprotectants, wherein the fusion protein has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:4.
 9. The pre-lyophilized formulation of claim 8, wherein the buffer is histidine.
 10. The pre-lyophilized formulation of claim 8, wherein the organic co-solvent or bulking agent is PEG.
 11. The pre-lyophilized formulation of claim 8, wherein the lyoprotectant(s) is at least one of glycine and sucrose.
 12. The pre-lyophilized formulation of claim 8, comprising 5-50 mM histidine, 0.1-3.0% PEG, 0.25-3.0% glycine, 0.5-6.0% sucrose, and 5-75 mg/ml of the fusion protein, at a pH of about 6.0-6.5.
 13. The pre-lyophilized formulation of claim 12, comprising about 10 mM histidine, about 1.5% PEG 3350, about 0.75% glycine, about 2.5% sucrose, and about 12.5 to 75 mg/ml VEGF-specific fusion protein, at a pH of about 6.25.
 14. The pre-lyophilized formulation of claim 13, wherein the fusion protein is 50 mg/ml.
 15. A liquid stable formulation of a VEGF antagonist, comprising 1-50 mM histidine, 25-150 mM NaCl, 5-30% sucrose, and 50-100 mg/ml of the fusion protein, at a pH of about 6.0-6.5, optionally comprising 0.01-0.5% polysorbate, and optionally further comprising 0.1-5% PEG.
 16. The liquid stable formulation of claim 15, comprising about 10 mM histidine, about 50 mM NaCl, 5-20% sucrose, and 50-100 mg/ml of the fusion protein, at a pH of about 6.0-6.5, optionally comprising 0.1% polysorbate 20, and optionally further comprising 3% PEG
 3350. 17. A method of producing a lyophilized formulation of a VEGF-specific fusion protein antagonist, comprising subjecting the pre-lyophilized formulation of claim 14 to lyophilization to generate a lyophilized formulation.
 18. A method of producing a reconstituted lyophilized formulation of a VEGF-specific fusion protein antagonist, comprising reconstituting the lyophilized formulation claim 17 with liquid, wherein a reconstituted lyophilized formulation is generated.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the liquid is sterile water or bacteriostatic water. 